Benefits
Am I entitled to any benefits?
The benefits system can be confusing, especially if you have never been in a position before of needing to claim. A variety of financial help is available for people affected by lung cancer. You may be able to claim some of the following benefits:
Statuatory Sick Pay
Must earn at least £ 102.00 per week. Is paid for the first 28 weeks of illness.
Disability Living Allowance
There are two parts to this benefit: (must start claim before 65 years old)
1) Care Component
Must have needed help for three months due to severe illness and are likely to need it for at least a further six months. There are three rates depending on the amount of care that you need.
2) Mobility Component: Must be unable to walk or only able to walk a short distance before you feel severe discomfort.
Attendance Allowance
Must have needed help for at least six (over 65 years old) months due to illness or disability. Not affected by savings or income.
Carers Allowance
Must spend at least 35 hours per week caring for a relative or friend, and earn less than £100.00 per week. Not affected by savings, although person being cared for must be receiving either Disability Living Allowance middle or high rate care component or Attendance Allowance.
Employment Support Allowance
Must be unable to work due to illness or (under pension age) disability and have paid enough National Insurance Contributions if claiming Contribution based only
Working Tax Credit
Must work at least 16 hours if responsible for a child , have a disability that puts you at an advantage in getting a job and are receiving or have recently received some form of disability benefit or over 50 and qualify for the 50 plus element. Otherwise you can only qualify if you or your partner are aged 25 or over and work at least 30 hours a week.
Income Support
This can be claimed to top up SSP or Carers Allowance.
Blue Badge Parking Scheme
Must receive the higher rate of the Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance or have (permanent) considerable difficulty in walking.
Motability Scheme
Must receive the higher rate of Disabled Living Allowance.
You apply for each benefit by completing a special form. There is a different form for each type of benefit, all of which you can get by phoning the Benefit Enquiry Line on: 0800 0556688. In addition to benefits you may also be able to get help with paying your rent and/or Council Tax. You may be entitled if you are either working and have low earnings, or if you are not working and have a low income, pension and/or benefits. Contact your local council for information on how to claim. You may also be able to get help with prescriptions, dental treatment, spectacles and the cost of travelling to and from hospital.
Other organisations may also provide financial help for a wide range of items, such as telephone installation and holidays. It is best to get advice from a social worker or your lung cancer nurse specialist about which benefits you can apply for. You can also get help with completing the form from your local Citizens Advice Bureau.